To handle a variety of orders, you need to have the right equipment. You can equip your business with two printers: one for flat media and another for roll-to-roll printing. However, having two machines generates significant costs, starting with the purchase, the space they occupy, the electricity they consume, and ending with the skilled personnel required to operate them. In a time when cost reduction is essential, this is not the most optimal solution. On one hand, the need exists, but on the other, addressing it leads to high expenses.

Versatility is the key to attracting clients
Hybrid UV printers allow you to expand your potential customer base without generating additional costs. These versatile machines are specifically designed for printing on both rigid materials and roll media. Additionally, hybrids take up less space, consume less power, and require fewer operators compared to two separate machines. Perhaps the most compelling argument for clients is the lower upfront cost, as they only need to purchase one machine instead of two.

Types of hybrids and how they differ
Among hybrid UV printers, there are two main designs. The first is a flatbed printer equipped with a roll-to-roll attachment. While this is a hybrid solution, it has its downsides. When printing roll materials, a startup print, called "waste," is required, which results in significant material loss, and loading the roll onto this device can be time-consuming. Given that in a standard print shop, media are changed several times a day, this can lead to material and time waste. The situation is entirely different with hybrid UV printers that are based on a conveyor belt design. This belt transports both roll media and rigid sheets. Thanks to this solution, loading media for printing is quick and easy, and material waste is minimized. These are the types of machines we recommend. You can explore our wide range of them at www.api.pl.

Which hybrid printer should you choose?
Thanks to many years of collaboration with Handtop and Gongzheng, of which we are the official representative and certified service provider, we offer a wide range of machines. The choice of a specific model mainly depends on the client's needs, which can vary significantly. These needs may include print width, productivity, print quality, software (such as RIP), and ink options.

In terms of print width, we offer devices ranging from 160 to 520 cm, with the most popular being 200 and 320 cm. Regarding productivity, we have printers that work at speeds from a few dozen up to an impressive 312 m²/h (Handtop HTA2500 Robo)! Those expecting the highest print quality can choose solutions with Kyocera or Epson printheads. But that's not all—machines can also be configured with Ricoh GEN5, Ricoh GEN6, or Konica Minolta printheads. It’s also worth mentioning that you can choose to operate under control of RIP software from top global producers such as Caldera, Onyx, or SAi. You also have the option of using UV inks tailored for different substrates. For those requiring automation, we offer machines with an automatic feeder and plate receiver, which significantly speeds up work. We also have solutions for clients who wish to produce backlit materials or prints enhanced with varnish.

HT2500Robo – a compact giant
The HT2500Robo is a new offering from API.PL, manufactured by HandTop. This printer is designed for companies that need high output and print quality while maintaining compact equipment dimensions. With a working width of 2.5 meters and advanced UV printing technology, the HT2500Robo allows you to fulfill large-scale orders on both flexible and rigid materials.

One of the advantages of this model is its modular design, which allows for easy maintenance and servicing. The machine is also equipped with advanced quality control systems, ensuring precise and sharp images regardless of the material being printed. This machine is also praised for its energy efficiency and low ink consumption, which translates into lower operating costs.

Got questions? Ask an expert!
Choosing a new machine can be quite a challenge. When looking for the right printer, you want to make sure you're making the best long-term decision, weighing all the pros and cons. Visit www.api.pl to learn more about the machine you're interested in, or take advantage of a free consultation with a specialist who will advise you on how to improve your printing process and attract new customers! Call us at +48 42 250 55 95. We look forward to hearing from you!